Reay, Cindy

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 06/11/2012 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children feel safe and secure with the childminder, who provides a caring environment where children have familiar routines.  The childminder promotes children's safety and well-being by ensuring a safe environment and by providing opportunities for them to explore with appropriate support and supervision.  The childminder has a very good awareness of how young children learn and creates an enabling environment with activities and play experiences that capture children's interests.  The childminder uses praise and encouragement well to support children in trying new things.  Children's communication and language skills are promoted well as the childminder supports children in their play, engaging them in conversation and listening carefully to what they have to say.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Strategies to engage parents in their children's learning are not fully established.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the childminder's home, including the lounge and garden.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the observations.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records, planning documentation, the childminder's self-evaluation form and a range of other documentation including a selection of policies and children's records.  Views of parents were taken from parental questionnaires.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2011 on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15 years, three years and one year in a house in the Jersey Farm area of St Albans, Hertfordshire. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Information about the setting

There are currently two children attending who are within in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and they attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She works all year round, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6.30pm.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 enhance further the systems used to actively engage parents in their children's learning in the setting and at home.

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who attend

Children are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has implemented observation and assessment systems which show children's progress and achievements over time. This information is then used to plan future activities and play experiences which cover the seven areas of learning and which support individual children in their learning. Children are interested in their environment and motivated in their play because of the support and guidance they receive from the childminder. They confidently make independent choices in their play and take the initiative in seeking out their favourite toys.

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who attend

The indoor environment is child-centred, with a varied range of resources which are appropriate, well-maintained and accessible for all children. Children benefit from regular opportunities to play outside and can often move freely between the indoor and outdoor environments. The childminder understands the importance of outdoor learning and ensures it is organised to allow children the freedom to explore, use their senses, and be physically active and exuberant. For example, children delight in making obstacle courses, where they balance and climb using a variety of play equipment. The childminder has also installed a large gazebo in the garden, which enables children to use a variety of resources outside whatever the weather. This includes small world play and construction play, all of which helps to provide children with choice and a sense of independence, as well as freedom and space.

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who attend

Children have an enjoyable time in the childminder's care and participate in a varied range of activities and play experiences, which take account of the prime and specific areas of learning. Children's language and communication skills are promoted well as the childminder supports children in their play, asking questions and engaging them in conversation. Regular story times also support children early communication skills. Children keenly select their favourite books and enjoy looking at the pictures and listening to the stories read by the childminder. They enjoy singing 'The wheels on the bus' together and playing musical instruments. They participate in a variety of art and craft activities, with younger children enjoying the sensory experience of finger painting, while older children enjoy using their imaginations when making models using play dough.

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who attend

The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's learning and development needs. Children's progress and achievements are regularly discussed, and parents have opportunities to see their children's development books on a daily basis. However, the childminder has not developed a system so parents can actively contribute to these to fully promote their child's learning.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children demonstrate a strong sense of security and are confident and self-assured in the setting because they receive continuity in their care and learning. They form positive and close relationships with the childminder and her family, and are very happy and settled. Children's behaviour is managed in a positive manner, with regular praise and encouragement from the childminder. Through regular discussion, children learn how to behave well because they learn simple house rules, such as sharing and taking turns. Effective behaviour management strategies, such as using star charts, have also been found to be beneficial in recognising and acknowledging positive behaviour. Children's ability to behave well, along with their growing independence, helps to prepare them for the next stage in their learning, such as when they start to attend nursery or school.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder meets children's individual care needs effectively. She prepares nutritious meals and snacks and works closely with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. Children have many opportunities to learn about the benefits of healthy eating in a fun way, such as playing a healthy-eating board game, where children use the healthy food cards to create nutritious meals. Health and well-being are promoted effectively through regular routines, such as ensuring hands are clean before eating. Plenty of fresh air and exercise keep children healthy, and they enjoy regular outings to the park or to a soft-play centre. They quickly learn new skills to promote physical development, develop self-confidence in their own abilities and experience social interaction. Children enjoy regular nature walks, and the childminder effectively uses the time to discuss the environment, such as the weather and changes in the seasons. Children particularly enjoy

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

collecting leaves and trying to identify the trees they have come from. The childminder has extended this activity to further promote children's learning through introducing a leaf identification book, which children confidently use to match trees to leaves when out walking.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children's safety is protected, and they are developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. At home, children learn how to manage the stairs safely. When in the park they know they must hold on tight when climbing so they do not fall and hurt themselves. When out walking they discuss road safety and how to stay safe when crossing roads. Clear emergency evacuation procedures are in place, which are practised with the children to ensure they know how to stay safe in an emergency.

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provision

The childminder has worked very hard to ensure she has a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and all of its requirements, and this is reflected in her practice. She strives to provide a high quality service and understands the importance of continuous professional development. The childminder has attended a selection of early years courses and workshops. She has also identified further training she would like to complete including an early years childcare qualification which she intends to start in the near future.

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provision

The childminder closely monitors the quality of the service she provides. She has effective processes, such as a self-evaluation system, which enable her to clearly identify her key strengths and any areas for future development. She regularly reviews and updates all records, including children's contracts and information, along with written policies and procedures. She is also proactive in seeking feedback from parents. One way this is achieved is through the use of parent questionnaires, and parents speak positively about the childminder and the service she provides. The childminder also seeks the views of children.

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provision

Children's welfare is fully protected as the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures. She has previously completed a safeguarding children course and plans to ensure her knowledge is kept up to date by completing another course. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. Positive steps are taken to keep children safe. For example, the childminder uses a safety gate to prevent children accessing some areas and uses corner protectors on low-level furniture to prevent children hurting themselves. The childminder ensures children are closely supervised and supported in their play, and written risk assessments and ongoing visual assessments ensure the environment remains safe and children are protected.

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provision

The childminder works in partnership with others. She is developing effective links with a nearby children's centre and networks with other childminders. She shows a positive attitude and awareness of liaising with other early years, such as the local school that children in her care have just begun to attend, to ensure continuity in their care and learning.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY424345 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 885697 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 2

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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